24 Days Laos-China-Kyrgyzstan Self-Driving Tour from Yunnan Mohan to Xinjiang Kashgar

Finalize remaining procedures, then drive to Jinghong, capital of Xishuangbanna. Visit Ganlanba Dai Village, known for stilted houses and Buddhist culture, and explore the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, home to rare rainforest flora.

Drive north through river valleys and subtropical mountains to Yuanjiang. Stop at the spectacular Yuanjiang High Bridge, one of the highest bridges in the world, offering dramatic canyon views.
Accommodation: Yuanjiang

Continue into the Honghe Hani region, arriving in Yuanyang. Explore the iconic Yuanyang Rice Terraces, especially stunning at sunset when the flooded fields mirror the sky.
Accommodation: Yuanyang

Drive to Jianshui Ancient Town, visiting its Confucian Temple, historic wells, and traditional courtyard houses that reflect Ming- and Qing-era architecture.
Accommodation: Jianshui

Visit the Stone Forest (Shilin), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring dramatic karst pinnacles. Continue to Kunming, the “Spring City” of China.
Accommodation: Kunming

A long but scenic drive north into Sichuan Province, arriving at the Southern Sichuan Bamboo Forest, a vast sea of bamboo-covered hills and valleys.
Accommodation: Bamboo Forest area

Morning walk through bamboo groves, then drive via Yibin to Chengdu. Optional detour to Leshan Giant Buddha or Mount Emei if time permits.
Accommodation: Chengdu

Optional visit to the Chengdu Panda Research Base. Drive to Langzhong Ancient Town, one of China’s best-preserved ancient cities, famed for feng shui design.
Accommodation: Langzhong

Explore Langzhong’s old streets, then drive through Jiange, historically important for the Shu Kingdom, before reaching Guangyuan.
Accommodation: Guangyuan

A full driving day crossing the Qinling Mountains, entering Shaanxi Province and arriving in Xi’an, the ancient eastern terminus of the Silk Road.
Accommodation: Xi’an

Visit the legendary Terracotta Warriors, followed by the Ancient City Wall, Drum Tower, and Muslim Quarter.
Accommodation: Xi’an

Drive west along the Yellow River corridor to Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province, known for Silk Road history and hand-pulled noodles.
Accommodation: Lanzhou

Visit Ta’er (Kumbum) Monastery, a major Tibetan Buddhist site, then continue to the vast blue expanse of Qinghai Lake.
Accommodation: Qinghai Lake area

Explore lakeside scenery and bird habitats before driving toward Mingle, enjoying plateau landscapes along the way.
Accommodation: Mingle

Travel through the Hexi Corridor, stopping in Zhangye, then continue to Jiayuguan, home to the westernmost Great Wall fortress.
Accommodation: Jiayuguan

Visit Jiayuguan Pass, then drive to Dunhuang, a key Silk Road oasis.
Accommodation: Dunhuang

Explore Mogao Grottoes, Crescent Moon Spring, and Mingsha Sand Dunes, then drive east into Xinjiang, reaching Hami.
Accommodation: Hami

Visit the Hami King Tomb, continue through Shanshan, and arrive in Turpan, stopping at Maza Uyghur Village for cultural interaction.
Accommodation: Turpan

Full exploration of Turpan’s highlights: Flaming Mountains, Jiaohe Ancient City, Sugong Minaret, Grape Valley, and the ancient Karez underground irrigation system.
Accommodation: Turpan

Long drive across desert and oasis landscapes to Kuche, once a major Buddhist center on the Silk Road.
Accommodation: Kuche

Drive through the Xinjiang Gobi and oasis towns to Kashgar, a historic crossroads of cultures.
Accommodation: Kashgar

Explore Kashgar Sunday Bazaar, Id Kah Mosque, and Abakh Hodja Tomb, immersing yourself in Uyghur culture and Islamic heritage.
Accommodation: Kashgar

Depart Kashgar and exit China via Tourgat, Irkeshtam, or Khunjerab Pass, concluding the epic overland journey.